Bali Reef Cruise and Lembongan Island Day Trip

Planning a day trip from Bali that combines water-based fun, island exploring, and good food? The Bali Reef Cruise and Lembongan Island day tour promises a full day of activities centered around the stunning waters of Nusa Lembongan, a small but vibrant island just off Bali’s coast. It’s a popular choice for families, couples, and groups eager to enjoy a mix of adventure and relaxation, all wrapped up in one package.

What makes this trip appealing? For starters, the private pontoon provides easy access to a variety of water activities without the hassle of crowded beaches. Plus, the round-trip catamaran cruise is smooth and well-organized, giving you that luxurious feel even on a budget. But, as with any tour, there are some considerations to keep in mind—like the variability of snorkeling visibility or the weather-dependent nature of some activities. This tour suits those looking for an active, family-friendly day with plenty of options to customize your experience.

In this review, we’ll walk through what you can expect from start to finish, highlight the pros and cons, and share insights from recent travelers. Whether you’re after adrenaline-pumping water slides, peaceful island exploration, or a taste of authentic Balinese hospitality, this trip offers a bit of everything.

Key Points

• Comprehensive experience blending water sports, island tours, and relaxation.
• All-inclusive amenities like buffet lunch, snacks, and live music add value.
• Flexible activities including optional scuba, parasailing, and island exploration.
• Family-friendly setup with activities suitable for all ages, plus lockers and safety features.
• Variable snorkeling conditions mean underwater visibility can be unpredictable.
• Good value for money considering the range of activities, transport, and meals included.

An Overview of the Tour

This full-day adventure is designed to take you from the buzz of Bali to the tranquil beauty of Nusa Lembongan, a protected island with dramatic cliffs, white sand beaches, and lively marine life. Starting early at 8:00 am from Benoa Harbour, the journey begins with a comfortable catamaran cruise aboard the Bali Hai II, renowned for its air-conditioned comfort and live onboard music, making the 1-hour ride surprisingly enjoyable.

The core of the experience is centered around the purpose-built reef pontoon off Lembongan Bay, where most activities unfold. This floating platform offers easy access to snorkeling, waterslides, banana boat rides, and semi-submersible coral viewing. From here, you can also explore the island with a one-hour guided or self-guided tour, exploring the streets, Balinese architecture, and scenic views of cliffs and beaches.

The tour isn’t just about water fun—there’s a delicious buffet lunch included, along with snacks and drinks available for purchase. Optional extras like scuba diving, parasailing, and marine walks let you tailor the day to your adventurous spirit or relaxation needs.

The Itinerary in Detail

The Departure and Catamaran Ride

Travelers are picked up from their Bali hotels in air-conditioned coaches, a gesture that adds comfort and convenience. The transfer to Benoa Harbour takes around an hour, during which you can relax, enjoy coffee or tea, and listen to live music. The boat departs at 8:00 am, with safety briefings and snorkeling demonstrations onboard, ensuring everyone is ready for the aquatic adventures ahead.

Arrival at Nusa Lembongan and the Pontoon

Upon arriving at Lembongan Bay, the scene is set for a day full of activity. The floating reptoon is designed for easy access. Lockers are provided for valuables, and the platform is spacious enough for lounging, sunbathing, or trying out the water slide—a 35-meter thrill that some reviews note is a highlight if you’re into adrenaline.

Snorkeling and Marine Viewing

Snorkeling equipment is included, and many travelers love the semi-submersible coral viewer, which offers a unique perspective of the reef. However, some reviews mention that underwater visibility can vary—with a few travelers disappointed by the limited marine life or murky waters. Others found the fish feeding around the pontoon interesting but noted that the coral itself might be dead or not as vibrant as hoped.

Water Activities

Unlimited banana boat rides are included, and they’re a big hit with kids and teens, according to feedback. The waterslides and floating boards provide quick fun, but some reviewers expressed that the banana boat rides are leisurely, with some feeling the boat lacks the power to really pull the inflatable fast. Still, the general consensus is that it’s a fun day with plenty of options to stay busy.

Island Tour Options

Travelers have the chance to leave the pontoon for a one-hour tour of the island. You’ll explore the colorful streets, take in views of cliffs, and discover some Balinese architectural gems. Reviewers appreciated this small tour, feeling it added a cultural dimension to an otherwise activity-heavy day.

Optional Activities and Extensions

If you want more adventure, options like scuba diving, parasailing, or marine walks are available at additional costs. Interestingly, one reviewer shared that they did a “marine walk,” and praised the professionalism of the guides, emphasizing how reassuring they felt during their first dive experience.

Lunch and Relaxation

The buffet lunch is a significant part of this tour’s appeal. The menu features a variety of flavors, and many travelers enjoyed the good quality and generous portions. After lunch, there’s time to relax on the deck, sip coffee or tea, and listen to live music—a perfect way to unwind before heading back.

Return Journey

The return trip is equally smooth, with a comfortable cruise back to Bali, arriving at the hotel around 4-5 pm. The onboard showers and relaxed atmosphere help wind down a busy day.

What Sets This Tour Apart

The convenience of hotel pickup and drop-off is a major plus—no need to worry about transportation logistics. The well-organized schedule with three departures to Lembongan Island makes it flexible, and the small group size (max 10 travelers) ensures a more personalized experience, according to reviews.

The onboard live music and relaxed vibe enhance the cruise, making it more than just transport. Plus, the locker and luggage storage facilities allow you to enjoy your day worry-free.

The water activities offer excellent value, especially the unlimited banana boat rides and snorkel gear, which allow you to try multiple times without extra charges. The buffet lunch is also highly appreciated, with some reviewers calling it delicious and generous.

Considerations and Challenges

While the tour offers a lot, some travelers have noted variable snorkeling conditions—with visibility often cited as less than optimal. If marine life or coral reefs are your main focus, you might find limited interest here. Others mentioned the water slide and banana boat rides as fun but not the most thrilling, which could disappoint thrill-seekers expecting high-adrenaline rides.

A few reviews highlight that the coral at the reef may be dead or less vibrant, and some felt that the coral viewing didn’t meet their expectations. Plus, the snorkeling zone is quite close to the pontoon, meaning marine life might be feeding around the platform rather than in pristine reefs farther out.

Another point to consider: some activities, like parasailing or diving, are optional and come at extra cost, so budget accordingly if you want to indulge in those. Also, be prepared for choppy seas, as some travelers experienced seasickness, especially during the boat ride.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This tour is perfect for families or groups who want a balance of water fun, island exploration, and good food without breaking the bank. It suits those who enjoy water sports but prefer a controlled, safe environment with guides and safety measures in place.

If you’re seeking tranquil, untouched reefs or snorkeling with vibrant marine life, you might find this experience a bit limited. However, if you’re after a fun-filled day with a variety of activities and plenty of flexibility, this tour delivers on that.

Final Thoughts

The Bali Reef Cruise and Lembongan Island day trip offers a well-rounded, value-packed adventure. Its strengths lie in the organized cruise, diverse activities, and delicious buffet. It’s a good choice for those craving water-based fun with the option to explore the local island culture briefly, all within a manageable 8-hour window.

While the snorkeling conditions can be hit or miss and some activities might feel tame for thrill-seekers, the overall experience receives positive feedback for being family-friendly, relaxing, and well-managed. The professional guides, especially at the coral viewing site, help make this a stress-free outing, and many reviewers appreciated the good value for the inclusive features.

Whether you’re after adrenaline, cultural insights, or just unwinding in the sun, this trip offers a balanced way to enjoy Bali’s beautiful waters and island charm in a single day.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, pickup and drop-off are included from select hotels, making it very convenient to start your day.

How long is the boat ride?
The round-trip cruise aboard the Bali Hai II catamaran takes about 1 hour each way, with comfortable air-conditioned cabins and onboard live music.

What activities are included?
You can enjoy unlimited banana boat rides, snorkeling equipment, a water slide, semi-submersible coral viewing, and lockers for valuables.

Are there any optional paid activities?
Yes, activities like scuba diving, parasailing, marine walks, and massages are available at additional costs.

What’s the lunch like?
The buffet lunch is well-liked, with a variety of flavors. Many reviewers mention the good quality and ample portions.

Is snorkeling good?
Snorkeling is included, but some reviews mention limited marine life and visibility, so it may not be ideal for underwater photography or reef enthusiasts.

In summary, this trip is a fantastic way to pack in water fun, island exploration, and good food in one day. It suits those who want a reliable, relaxed, and activity-rich experience, especially families or groups looking for a memorable day out in Bali’s waters.